Dissecting probable indicators of juvenile delinquency among Gweru Urban adolescents in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Society today is still naïve that some children are no longer innocent, beautiful souls but callous and dangerous to the community. The escalating crime incidents by juveniles make it imperative to concede the rampant prevalence of juvenile delinquency. This research sought to identify the probable indicators of juvenile delinquency in the milieu of the unprecedented global trend. The study used a mixed-method approach guided by the pragmatist research paradigm. A descriptive research design enhanced an appreciation of participants’ multiple realities based on their lived experiences premised on qualitative and quantitative research. Random sampling was used in selecting 209 students to complete a translated questionnaire. An interview was used to collect data from teachers and parents selected purposively. Data was analysed using frequency count. Data from interviews was thematically analysed. Significant findings were that mental illness, social conditions such as neighbourhood location, home conditions such as family size, school conditions such as strictness of school and environmental factors were the indicators of juvenile delinquency. After-school programs to increase school time counselling services at schools were some of the recommendations by key informants on curbing juvenile delinquency. The overall conclusion is that probable indicators of juvenile delinquency result from several factors such as individual, home, social environment, and school.